Clarke Avenue and its perpendicular adjunct, Clover Lane, seem to be charmed places, which have never waned in popularity since they were developed in the 1920s. Prized by young professionals on the move in search of a good west side address, lifelong friendships are often formed with neighbors. Several of my friends and acquaintances made strong friendships on Clover and Clarke that have endured for decades. Some move on, often to grander digs, but many stay, content with the inherent charm of the street and the ideal location — sandwiched between Rivercrest, Monticello, and the Cultural District.
In some respects the area has been a victim of its own success, with prices seemingly rising ever upward and also tempting their affluent owners into unfortunately conceived renovations. So it is a happy surprise to encounter a thoughtfully updated listing at 3824 Clarke Avenue that is truly move-in ready.
Open concept floor plans attempted in these bungalows are usually a maladroit mistake. Here, space has been so meticulously planned that I suspected a professional hand. Sure enough, architect Yogi Patil, whose presence and ingenuity helped shape the nearby Seventh Street development over the past 15 years.
The living area is defined by a fireplace flanked by twin bookcases and a centrally placed, recessed coffered ceiling. The former dining room walls have been removed, creating uninterrupted sight lines from front to back.
“Patil took the 1921 house down to the studs and rebuilt the house from scratch,” says listing agent Tod Franklin. White, to-the-ceiling cabinets and white quartz counertops give the galley kitchen a clean sweep. Dark oak hardwood floors add to the unity of the floor plan.
The house now clocks in at 2,800 square feet and contains four bedrooms and three-and-one-half baths. The master suite is on the ground floor. The master bath has a glamorous, modern slipper tub and twin basins.
The second floor has an additional living area and two of the four bedrooms. This isn’t awkward carved-out-of-the-attic space.
“The owner blew the roof off of the second floor,” Tod Franklin says. The result is an airy, light suffused addition that seamlessly joins with the original structure.
HVAC, insulation, updated plumbing, electrical, doors, insulated windows, energy-efficient appliances, and tankless water heater complete the list of upgrades. There is a detached, two-car garage.
Tod Franklin a flat-fee realtor who steers DFWCity Homes, has listed 3824 Clarke Avenue for $559,000.
Eric Prokesh is an interior designer whose work has appeared on HGTV, and in books and publications including D Home, Southern Accents, House Beautiful, and House and Garden. In January 2005, HG named Eric one of the 50 tastemakers in America and D Home has included him as one of Dallas’ Best Designers for 10 years. Having lived most of his life in Dallas, he now calls Fort Worth home and is one of our experts on beautiful Fort Worth Dirt. His own home on historic Elizabeth Boulevard has been featured in 360 West.
